Two cyclists leave towns 120km apart at the same time and travel toward each other. One cyclist travels 6 /kmh faster than the other. If they meet in 3 h

Question

Two cyclists leave towns 120km apart at the same time and travel toward each other. One cyclist travels 6/kmh faster than the other. If they meet in 3 hours, what is the rate of each cyclist?

Answer 1

We know that Distance = Rate x Time

In this case, D = 120Km, and T = 3hr

 

Let x = the slower speed, and x + 6 = the faster speed

 

Our equation becomes

120Km = 3 • x + 3(x + 6) 

120Km = 3x + 3x + 18

102Km = 6x

and solving, x = 17km/hr

then x + 6 = 23Km/hr

 

Proof: 17km/hr • 3hr  + 23Km/hr • 3hr  = 51Km + 69Km = 120Km